South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden delivered his first joint address to the South Dakota Legislature as governor on Tuesday. His full speech is here:

Amid Larry Rhoden's succession to South Dakota governor, several executive staffers under former Gov. Kristi Noem were shuffled into new roles.

South Dakota voters are going through their own period of adjustment as Larry Rhoden settles into his new job as governor. Many voters, especially those who live on the east side of the state, are still unfamiliar with the longtime West River politician.

Governor Rhoden grew up as a rancher in Meade County and served in the South Dakota National Guard from 1978 to 1985. He has stated that said experience has prepared him to tackle the most pressing issue that South Dakotans face. Republican State Senator Helene Duhamel of district 32 in Rapid City gave her remarks while congratulating Rhoden.

Gov. Larry Rhoden received Kristi Noem's official resignation as South Dakota governor on Saturday as she joined the Trump administration.

The gubernatorial transition comes after Kristi Noem was confirmed as the next Department of Homeland Security Secretary following a Senate vote on Saturday morning.

Governor Rhoden has been sworn in as one of the state’s few West River governors in history. Senate Majority Whip Randy Deibert expressed optimism on having a leader from the area, saying leadership from West River has decreased from the past.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and will lead the Department of Homeland Security

Rhoden, 65, served as the state's lieutenant governor of South Dakota from 2019 until Saturday when former Gov. Kristi Noem resigned the office after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security.